Those who seek my life lay snares for me; they
seek my misfortune, they speak of ruin; they plot treachery all the day.

14

But I am like the deaf, hearing nothing, like
the dumb, saying nothing,

15

Like someone who does not hear, who has no
answer ready.

16

LORD, I wait for you; O Lord, my God, answer
me.

17

For I fear they will gloat, exult over me if I
stumble.

18

I am very near to falling; my pain is with me
always.

19

I acknowledge my guilt and grieve over my sin.

20

But many are my foes without cause, a multitude
of enemies without reason,

21

Repaying me evil for good, harassing me for
pursuing good.

22

Forsake me not, O LORD; my God, be not far from
me!

23

Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my
salvation!

1 [Psalm 38] In this lament, one of
the Penitential Psalms (cf Psalm 6), the psalmist acknowledges the sin that has
brought physical and mental sickness and social ostracism. There is no one to
turn to for help; only God can undo the past and restore the psalmist.